A leader in girls’ education

A leader in girls' education

Willoughby Girls High School

OUR MISSION AND VISION

To inspire each and every girl to be their best self by fostering individual potential, supported by a five-pillar framework reflecting strong academic outcomes, supportive student well-being and an exceptional range of co-curricular opportunities.

1. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

A school which aims for the best possible academic outcomes for each student, where:

?? Expectations of individual excellence are the norm

?? Students achieve better than expected results

?? Teachers use engaging methodologies which intellectually challenge students

?? Students are excited about learning and see relevance of their class work

?? Subject knowledge, skills and attitudes are taught with rigour

?? Gifted and talented students are catered for in both classroom and extracurricular contexts

2. STUDENT CENTRED LEARNING

A school where independent learning is part of the fabric of each lesson, which:

?? Encourages students to take responsibility for and risks in their learning

?? Supports students to excel as individuals, work co-operatively in groups and collaborate to maximise learning

?? Supports the individual learning needs of all students

?? Provides opportunities for students to exercise real choice in their own learning journey

?? Instils skills and confidence to utilise a broad range of technologies

?? Develops student capacity for critical reflection and articulation of a wide range of ideas

3. EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN

A school which practises contemporary thinking about gender equity, which:

?? Enhances career and life prospects for all girls to succeed

?? Fosters and develops student confidence in personal and public arenas

?? Empowers girls to develop a consciousness of gender equity

?? Develops and coaches leadership skills and aspirations in girls

?? Promotes positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle

4. GOOD CITIZENSHIP AND VALUES

A school which promotes core values, ethical behaviour and an optimistic view of the future, which:

?? Teaches the values of truth, courage, loyalty and personal accountability

?? Encourages and rewards student initiative and leadership

?? Encourages and responds to a strong student voice

?? Ensures that girls feel safe, are cared for and develop self-respect and resilience

?? Develops respectful intercultural understanding

?? Balances individual rights with collective responsibilities and respect for others

5. LEARNING COMMUNITY

A school which values life-long learning, active involvement and continuous improvement, where:

?? Students, staff and parents work collaboratively to achieve our shared vision

?? Students and teachers reflect on the teaching/learning relationship together

?? Developmental opportunities are provided for students, staff and parents

?? Clear expectations of roles and responsibilities are reflected and embodied

?? Girls are fully supported in their learning and personal growth journeys

INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

At Willoughby Girls we recognise that learning is an evolving process. Research based methodologies are continually evaluated and implemented as appropriate.

PROBLEM BASED LEARNING

All Year 7 classes learn problem solving skills and work collaboratively in groups to apply these to local and wider world problems. Students learn how to research, take on specific roles in the group, plan the problem-solving process, then present their findings to peers and authentic audiences.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Project based learning is incorporated into all subject areas. Projects run across subjects, enabling students to work collaboratively and apply their learning in a range of real world contexts.

iSTEAM

iSTEAM is a new elective Year 9/10 course where students learn coding, build robots, and engineer structures based on creative application of physics, mathematics, technology principles and design processes.

TECHNOLOGY

On-site computer labs provide specialist ICT study equipment plus high-end software for music composition, photography and digital media, Technology and Design equipment for laser cutting, 3 D printing and textiles embellishing. The school operates a Bring Your Own Learning Device policy, with the emphasis on Learning. Homework and textbooks are routinely set and available online.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Willoughby Girls High School has exceptional standards on state literacy and numeracy assessments. HSC results consistently position us amongst the top five comprehensive public schools in NSW. We have been ranked 1st three times in the past five years. On average, 85% of our students receive first round University offers.

In 2017, 34% of students gained an ATAR exceeding 90, with four girls placed in the top ten of their subject for the state. Several outstanding students were also nominated for their HSC Showcases, including ArtExpress (Visual Art), Encore (Music), OnStage (Drama) and CallBack (Dance).

SPORT

As part of regular school sport, including Grade sport opportunities, Willoughby offers a varied range of recreational sport activities including Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Cheerleading, Bowling, Fitness training, Personal training, Hip Hop, Zumba, Squash, Table Tennis, Cricket, Bushwalking, Ultimate Frisbee, and Flag Gridiron. The school boasts four large clubs managed by our P&C Association: Netball (25 teams in 2017), Basketball, Touch Football and Indoor and Outdoor Hockey. Students undertake training in each club and represent the school in local evening and weekend competitions. Many teams are coached by present and past students, creating ongoing opportunities to foster leadership skills.

MUSIC

We have a long and proud tradition of music excellence. All students study music in Years 7 & 8 and can choose Music as an elective in Years 9 & 10 and for the HSC. Our six instrumental ensembles (Junior Wind, Senior Wind, Jazz, Chamber, Percussion and Accelerate) are all directed by experienced and highly professional conductors and comprise more than 150 students. The school also has a Combined Choir and Junior and Senior Vocal Ensembles directed by the music teachers. All Ensembles have opportunities to perform at the Sydney Town Hall, Opera House, The Concourse and various other local venues and events. Every two years the Music Committee plan a music tour featuring high quality performance opportunities, with recent tours to Hong Kong, Tamworth and the U.S.A.

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